Berlusconi faces popularity contest in local elections

ITALIANS flocked to the polls in the second day of partial local elections seen as a major test of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s popularity, as he fights a slew of legal and sex trials.

All eyes are on Milan, Berlusconi’s centre-right stronghold and hometown, where the incumbent, Letizia Moratti, is expected to retain her post, though she may not have enough votes to avoid a runoff later this month.

The 74-year-old prime minister has campaigned vigorously on Moratti’s behalf in the city, even heading the electoral list there.